Beyond Here: The Senior Success Project

"Beyond Here: The Senior Success Project" is a set of programs being offered during the spring semester that are geared toward Geneva College students in their senior year. Over 20 programs that address the specific needs of seniors have been identified for the series, involving activities such as resume building, civic engagement, graduate school preparation, workplace challenges, debt management and many others.

"Beyond Here" was initiated through Senior Year Experience, a research project recently conducted by Residence Director Christy Coulter (MAHE ′12) and Colin Skinner ′09 (MAHE ′11). The purpose of the research was to explore issues associated with the transition out of college by surveying graduating seniors and recent alumni. Coulter and Skinner′s findings revealed that while graduating students are most focused on obtaining employment immediately after graduation, alumni tend to feel that they would have benefited from additional programs that provided skills for operating within the workplace. Also, both groups rated "dealing with post-college unknowns" as the most important topic to be addressed.

"Geneva does a great job helping students transition into college life during their first year through the Learning and Transition course, and I felt that it would be great to also help students transition into life after college," explains Coulter. "While many of the âBeyond Here′ programs have been available to students in the past, we are now intentionally identifying activities that are particularly beneficial for seniors. In addition, some new programs have been developed specifically for âBeyond Here.′"

Beyond Here Spring 2012 Calendar of Events

Beyond Here Process Group (ongoing)

Mondays (February 13, 20, 27; March 19, 26; April 2, 16, 23)
10:10 - 11 a.m.The Beyond Here Process Group will be facilitated by the Counseling Center and run for eight weeks with a limited number of participants. The group will serve as a confidential and safe place to process through common issues of emerging adulthood such as forming new relationships with parents, sense of loss after graduation, how to form a new community beyond college, relationship transitions, work transitions and many more topics. Preregister with Counseling Center at 724-847-4081. Registration closes February 1, 2012.

Resume Drop-ins (ongoing)

Fridays
10 - 11 a.m.
Career Development Office Get your resume ready for job applications. Resources and staff will be available to help you on the spot!

Job Search Drop-ins (ongoing)

Fridays
11 - 12 p.m.
Career Development Office Looking for a job? Begin preparing for the job search now.

LSAT |MCAT | GRE Workshops

January 25, 2012
2 - 5 p.m.
President′s Dining Room, Alexander HallTake the Kaplan Overview and Practice Test for students applying to law school, medical school and graduate school programs. Register here.

Time Management Seminar

Wednesday, February 1, 20127 - 8 p.m.NW112Say good-bye to the stress, pressure and frustration that come from being disorganized and rushed for time. Efficient time management is key to getting the most out of your day, whether in the workplace, academia or personal life. It′s never too late to learn how to budget your time wisely and effectively.

Wednesday, February 15, 20125 - 7:30 p.m.President's Dining Room, Alexander HallGet equipped for your future professional networking and business dining events. This is a great opportunity to advance your job search. Contact Career Development and preregister here.

Resume & Cover Letter Workshop

Tuesday, February 21, 20124 p.m. - 5 p.m.President's Dining Room, Alexander HallYour resume is your business card. Learn how you can build and personalize your resume to you and your career path. Register here.

Job Search Overview

Wednesday, February 22, 2012
4 - 5 p.m.President's Dining Room, Alexander HallYou need a plan to succeed in your job search. This workshop will help students craft an individualized job search strategy. Don′t miss this opportunity to find out where the jobs are and how the employers make hiring decisions. Register here.

Interviewing Workshop

Thursday, February 23, 2012
5 - 6 p.m.
President's Dining Room, Alexander HallOnce you get the interview, the resume has done its job. Now you must make your case as to why you are a good fit for the position. Most candidates don′t sell themselves beyond their resume. This workshop will help you to prepare for the interview and go beyond your resume. Students seeking internships, summer jobs and professional jobs are encouraged to attend. Register here.

Monday, March 19 & Monday, March 26, 20125 - 6 p.m.Benedum Room, Alexander Hall (bring your own meal)You can only make a first impression once. Get ready for the upcoming job fairs by attending this interactive workshop. Emphasis on preparing for job fairs, making the most of a job fair and following up after a job fair.

PERC Education Job Fair

Wednesday, March 21, 2012
9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.Monroeville Convention Centerwww.percjobfair.org
Pre-registration required; bring resume
100+ local, regional and national school districts will be recruiting and interviewing at this fair. Don′t miss this opportunity to get your education job search started. Participants must pre-register at www.percjobfair.org and here.

Personal Finance 201: How to Manage Your Debt Now

Wednesday, March 21, 2012
5 - 6:30 p.m.
Benedum Room, Alexander Hall (bring your own meal)The Geneva College Financial Aid Office staff will discuss student loan repayment, loan consolidation and managing the repayment of several different types of student loans. Consumer debt will also be discussed. Students that RSVP before 3/10 will receive a detailed report showing how much they've borrowed in student loans at Geneva College and what they can expect in repayment. They can also receive individual advice on a repayment strategy. Register here.

Wednesday, March 28, 2012
5 - 6:30 p.m.
President's Dining Room (bring your own meal)Curt Knotick of Accurate Solutions Group will share his wisdom about planning for retirement: why it′s important to think about it now and what steps you can take to plan ahead. Students will begin to create retirement savings goals. Register here.

Rent It, Buy It, Lease It, Own It: Finding a Car, a Place to Live, and Other Real World Responsibilities

Wednesday, April 11, 2012
7 - 8 p.m.
President′s Dining Room, Alexander HallIn game show style, join fellow Geneva students in learning about the responsibilities of life after college. Whether it is renting or buying a house, leasing or buying a car, renting an apartment or other responsibilities, we will have the answers for you. Come to this practical and applicable session with questions!

Time Management Seminar

Wednesday, April 18, 20127 - 8 p.m.NW 112Say good-bye to the stress, pressure and frustration that come from being disorganized and rushed for time. Efficient time management is key to getting the most out of your day, whether in the workplace, academia, or personal life. It′s never too late to learn how to budget your time wisely and effectively.

Life After College

Thursday, April 19, 20127 - 8 p.m.Benedum Room, Alexander Hall (bring your own meal)Bloom where you are planted! This workshop will discuss how you can make the most of your upcoming transition. Emphasis on succeeding in your career, pursuing graduate school and living in community.

Who′s Your Neighbor: Community Beyond the Residence Halls

Wednesday, April 25, 20127 - 8 p.m.NW 007College life provides pre-packaged communities to find belonging: residence halls, clubs, classrooms, etc. One of the most difficult transitions after college is finding meaningful ways to make connections. This seminar will discuss strategies for proactively developing relationships in neighborhoods, churches, and work places.